Harare International School

Harare, Zimbabwe

About Harare International School: Harare International School, also known as HIS, is a small international school with only around 340 students enrolled (and approximately 50 teaching staff).

School Mission: A boldly diverse learning community that inspires curiosity, embraces challenge and nurtures personal growth. 

Visit the school website for further details about this school.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Highly recommend – only aspect to consider is the size of the school given it is relatively small compared to other international schools.

Overall compensation package rating

Excellent – generous for families.

Tuition benefits

Tuition waiver (100%) for up to two children.

Housing

Housing provided at the school – typically 3 to 4 bedroom furnished house (stand alone) with a large yard (and usually with a swimming pool for families).

Flights

Flights to Zimbabwe for spouse and dependents from your home country, and annual flights after your first contract.

Healthcare

Medical insurance (including dental), includes partner and three dependent children (must be living with you in Zimbabwe and only covered up to age of 18) .

School also provides overseas disability insurance (to cover any loss of earnings because of long-term disability).

Adjustment for kids

Mix of nationalities comprised of local and international students (more local than international) ranging from Pre-K to Year 12.

Located on a 22 acre campus with excellent facilities.

Average class sizes

Small class sizes (maximum 16).

Teaching experience required

Minimum of two years experience required with full teaching qualifications.

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP).

Retirement/pension benefits

Private pension scheme – 2% matched by the school.

School history & stability

School established in 1992.

Harare International School – Additional Benefits

  • Settling in allowance
  • Start and end relocation allowance
  • Pay scale based on experience
  • Private healthcare
  • Generous PD budget
  • Staff accommodation
  • Laptop allowance
  • Life insurance
  • Places for staff children

What Teachers are Saying Online About Harare International School

  • Night view of Harare city featuring lights and historic tower.
  • Herd of African elephants standing under a tree in Zimbabwe - a sight you could see if you work at Harare International School!
  • Aerial shot of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Harare International School is without a doubt the best experience I’ve ever had for our week without walls trips (out of all the international schools I’ve been to).

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER

Harare International School has a great reputation – its definitely a Tier 1 school in Africa.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER

I absolutely love this school. Some of my all time favourite memories were from working here. There are still plenty of amazing people working at the school and the students are great.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT HIS

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Harare is generally safe for expats but theft and home break-ins can occur. Be careful, particularly at night and take common-sense precautions.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Zimbabweans are known for being friendly, but you may need time to adjust to local infrastructure limitations and bureaucratic processes.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Essentials like fresh produce are affordable. But imported goods are expensive (and there are occasional shortages). With a good salary package, most expat families can live comfortably and even save.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Harare International School (HIS) is a well-established IB Continuum school that’s built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading international schools, despite its small size. It’s located on a 22-acre campus in Zimbabwe’s capital. Based on our research, it offers a great environment for international teaching families, and you’ll get to experience the beauty and cultural richness of Zimbabwe.

HIS offers competitive salaries based on your years of experience. The teacher benefits are comprehensive and including housing, worldwide health insurance, annual flights after your first contract, and full tuition for up to two children. Teachers can also benefit from generous professional development budgets.

The school delivers the full IB programme (PYP, MYP, and DP) and embraces inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning. With a diverse student population from over 50 nationalities, HIS aims to foster a globally minded, supportive community. The school year starts in August, and contracts are typically two years.

While there is a high tax rate, many teachers still report strong savings (up to USD $20,000 annually), and can support a family. Living in Zimbabwe give you access to some amazing natural wonders, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Lake Kariba. So if you love nature and the outdoors – it’s definitely a location worth considering!

Based on our research, HIS looks to offer teaching families a high standard of living, in a community-focused environment.

Do you currently teach at Harare International School? We’d love to hear from you to get your perspective. Get in touch to share your experience!

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